Supplemental Hydrogen Injection for 10% Boost in Fuel Economy
15 NOVEMBER 2005
Canadian Hydrogen Energy Company (CHEC) used the annual SEMA show to launch a smaller version of its Hydrogen Fuel Injection System (HFI LT) targeted at passenger vehicles and Class 1 to Class 4 light trucks up to 7.3 liters in displacement. HFI introduces small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen, produced via an on-board electrolysis unit, into the intake manifold and thence into the fuel charge, improving combustion and permitting a leaner fuel mix, thereby delivering more power with about a 10% increase in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The HFI device delivers the gas to the engine under pressure, thereby ensuring a constant flow even when the air intake pressure is high due to turbocharger boost. The gases are continuously available, aided by a separate on-board water supply that automatically replenishes the cell when needed. The device contains both heating and cooling features that enable gas to be generated in extreme weather conditions. The only operator maintenance required is to occasionally refill the water supply. Even under commercial driving conditions, only one refill approximately every 3-4 weeks should be sufficient. The vehicle battery provides the power for the electrolysis unit, and the output gas hose simply attaches to a standard input at the air intake manifold. The original HFI HT Series was designed for application on Class 7 and Class 8 heavy duty trucks (7.3 to 16 liters). HFI HT has racked up more than 60,000,000 miles of testing and on road use. CHEC expects the HFI LT Series will produce similar results in passenger cars: fuel savings and reduced emissions, lowered maintenance costs, more power and torque and fewer oil changes. The original HFI HT system weights approximately 90 pounds and has a volume of 2 cubic feet. Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/11/supplemental_hy.html